The Dangerous Consequences of Sleep Restrictions on Athletic Performance and Cognitive Skills

A recent study published in the Journal of Sleep Research highlights the negative impact of sleep restrictions on athletic performance and wellbeing. The study focused on sub-elite and elite cyclists and found that sleep deprivation led to a decline in performance, including reduced power output during endurance cycling tests and decreased sprint performance. Despite no significant changes in physiological variables, the sleep-restricted group reported reduced overall feelings of wellness before exercise. The findings emphasize the critical role of sleep in exercise performance and suggest that prioritizing sleep as a key recovery strategy is crucial for athletes.